A World Cup held in Brazil, football’s spiritual home, could prove to be the greatest footballing event the world has ever seen.
The raucous, football-loving nation will create a unique cauldron of atmosphere from the first game on June 12 until the final on July 13.
It will help, of course, if their heroic team makes it that far.
So who will win?
Without doubt, four teams stand out as possible champions. However, to choose a winner out of these four exceptionally gifted teams is nearly impossible.
Argentina
Argentina’s most talented players are now reaching peak performance age. Our primary example is Lionel Messi – at just 26, he has been the world’s outstanding player over the past five years. If Argentina wins the World Cup, and Messi has the influence that he so often has at club level, then he would surely be elevated to the status of Maradona and Pele, among the greatest we’ve ever seen.
Messi has brilliant teammates all over the park. However, Argentina will need to overcome their inhibitions towards the end of the tournament. At the past two World Cups, Argentina brought wonderfully talented teams, only to be knocked out prematurely at the quarter-final stage.
Brazil
Contrasting with Brazilian teams of the past, this squad is characterised by a sturdy defence and physical midfield. Their powerful presence has been assembled to complement Brazil’s one true star, Neymar.
Importantly for this Brazilian team, the whole is greater than the sum of their individuals. Brazil’s manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, is unfazed by the concerning club form of some of his players. This team gels together wonderfully, evidenced by 13 wins in their last 14 matches together, and a convincing demolition of the competition at the 2013 Confederations Cup.
Germany
The German squad is made up of players who have had a stack of success in European club football over the past 12 months. This is a team of winners.
They will be led by a mob of young, quick and scarily talented attacking midfielders. Germany also brings a legacy where success in World Cups comes naturally. Once again, we should see Germany make, at least, the semi-final.
Spain
Undoubtedly, the reigning world champions have been the best team in international football for some time. However, one gets the feeling that their Barcelona tiki-taka keep-possession-at-all-costs style of play has been surpassed by teams executing a faster and more powerful approach.
This is evidenced by Barcelona’s incredible 7-0 loss to Bayern Munich in last season’s European Champions League and the improbable rise of Atletico Madrid, that’s taken them to the Spanish La Liga title and Champions League final in 2014.
For Spain to continue their success in international football, they should look to Atletico Madrid’s pressing style and physical players, such as the hulking Diego Costa and the complete Koke.
Upsets
Who should we look out for to cause a few upsets?
The gulf in class between the top teams and the remaining competition is forever shrinking. The depth of quality at the World Cup is at an all-time high. Even non-traditional footballing nations, such as Japan and the USA, are increasingly causing a problem for their more fancied opposition. Undeniably, upsets loom.
South American teams
Beyond Argentina and Brazil, there are four highly accomplished South American teams ready to make their mark. I’m going to go out on a limb and predict Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Uruguay to all progress from their challenging groups.
The draw is such that it could result in three South American derbies in the knockout Round of 16. Brazil versus Chile, Colombia versus Uruguay and Argentina versus Ecuador.
France
Many sporting pundits have picked Belgium as their tournament dark horse. However, France possess a squad every bit as talented. And they can also boast a proud footballing heritage.
The French spectacularly fell to pieces at the 2010 World Cup. The infighting within the squad led their manager, Raymond Domenech, to describe his players as “a bunch of imbeciles”. The 2014 team will be hungry to make amends.
Prediction
A Brazil versus Argentina final
The ultimate match-up. The ultimate rivalry. The ultimate finale.
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